Statement from The HSUS on Captive Bear Attack in Ohio

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, released the following statement in response to news reports that an Ohio man died after being mauled by a bear:

"The tragic death of an Ohio man, who died after being attacked by a captive bear, demonstrates the need for immediate action to prohibit private ownership of dangerous wild animals in the state. The Humane Society of the United States commends Governor Strickland's commitment to address this issue by executive order. Other states have taken action, but Ohio has been one of the outliers, putting both public safety and the welfare of the animals at risk."

On June 30, an agreement was reached among Gov. Ted Strickland, Ohio agricultural leaders, The HSUS, Ohioans for Humane Farms and other groups to adopt reforms on a range of issues including farm animal welfare, puppy mills, cockfighting and private ownership of exotic animals such as bears, lions, tigers, primates, large constricting and venomous snakes, crocodiles and alligators.

The agreement put a hold on a planned factory farming initiative on the fall ballot.

-30-

Follow The HSUS on Twitter. See our work for animals on your iPhone by searching "HumaneTV" in the App Store.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.